Log23: Quick

Sorry it's been so long!

I've been working on a real entry for quite some time, and it will appear soon, but in the mean time, a really quick update...

Tuesday, November 9, 2010:

I talked to 6 students individually on the topic of "why-are-you-acting-like-a-twelve-year-old," confiscated 4 electronic devices, kicked 3 students out, shut down a class, received 1 note of apology, sent 1 student to the disciplinarian, and made that student cry.  

All that said, none of this really "got" to me emotionally throughout the day.  I've been able to remove myself emotionally from these circumstances more.  Still, the numbers don't lie; it wasn't an easy day, and I wondered a little what role teaching would really have in my life.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 (during "Would you rather" lesson):
 

ME: "Would you rather forget who you are, or forget who everyone else is?"
STUDENT: "I would rather forget who everyone else is because I can live without others but I cannot live without myself."

Realize the student is learning English as a second language.  Needless to say, I was impressed and humbled less by the student's choice, but much more by the construction of the words, the ease with which he articulated them, and the critical thinking inherent to such a statement.

More than anything else however, I am reminded why education can be so rewarding, and why teachers around the world pursue this noble profession.

One of my worst professional days juxtaposed with one of my most profound "teaching" moments yet provides an exciting point of discussion...but it might have to wait a little.

For now, adieu.  More to come...